MG ZS - Full details

If the discussion is going around for a compact SUV in Australia, the name of the MG ZS will surely arrive. WIth a luxurious front grille, 3D audio, panoramic sunroof, the vehicle has everything to make it stand out from the crowd. Along with these, the car comes with a powerful engine under the hood having Netblue technology and some quality safety features like full-length curtain airbags, reverse camera, etc.

Is MG ZS expensive?

Now, it can be quite hard to sell you on the idea that MG ZS is the compact SUV that you have been looking for. But when you consider the price the engine specification coupled together under the MG tag, along with the safety features that it has the might seem justified.    

Some may argue that there are better alternatives at this price like Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V. But the fact of the matter is that MG ZS being priced the way concerning variants, things just can’t get better for SUV.

Pricing

The MG ZS is available in three different trim levels in Australia- Essence, Excite plus and Excite.

Variant	Price
MG ZS Essence	$26,990
MG ZS  Excite	$22,990
MG ZS  Excite plus	$24,990

Dimensions

Length	4314 mm
Width (including mirrors)	1809 mm
Height (excluding roof rails)	1620 mm
Wheelbase	2585 mm
Ground clearance	164 mm
Boot volume with seats in place to security cover height (L)	359 mm
Boot volume with seats folded to window line (L)	1166 mm

Exterior

MG ZS is one of the most stylish SUVs around. The clean line and details coupled with signature London-Eye headlights and gleaming alloys do ensure that you will get noticed. From the outset, it appears to be bulkier and larger than its counterparts SUVs which is quite a good indicator of the spacious room on the inside. The MG badge on the front chrome grills will make you feel good about owning this car. All in all, the exterior with aggressively designed headlights bulging outwards and the curve at the back gives it a more sporty look.

Variant	Excite/ Excite Plus	Essence
17-inch dual-tone machined alloy wheels	Yes	Yes
Panoramic glass sunroof with sunshade and anti-trap	No	Optional
LED ‘London Eye’ daytime running lights	Yes	Yes
Rear spoiler	Yes	Yes
Side sill extensions with chrome highlights	Yes	Yes
Chrome side window trim	Yes	Yes

Engine specifications

Despite having three different variants in terms of features, there are only two engine options included in the MG ZS specs sheet. The Excite comes with 1.5-litre NA inline petrol engine, while the Excite Plus and Essence have the base 1.0-litre Turbo inline petrol mill.

Variant	Excite	Excite Plus/Essence
Engine	1.5-Litre NA inline petrol	1.0-Litre Turbo inline petrol
Max Power (KW)	84 @ 6000 rpm	82 @ 5200 rpm
Max Torque (Nm)	150 @ 4500 rpm	160 @ 1800-4700 rpm
Transmission	4-Speed auto	6-Speed auto

Interior 

Let’s address the elephant in the room when it comes interior, yes, we are talking about the panoramic roof. The electrically operated roof makes things a lot cheerier. But in all practicality, the thing which matters is the comfort and an extended boot space allow a greater degree of the same. Behind, the seats are well structured to provide enough space for an average person to fit in with comfort. Inside the cabin, the synthetic materials used makes it all more cosy and likeable. Not to forget the 8-inch infotainment screen with each element placed precisely to the 'T'. The apple car play with unique apps bases interface is, unsurprisingly responsive. 

Safety 

With safety features like- emergency brake assist, standard six safety airbags, active cornering brake control, and ABS brakes based on electronic brake force distribution- the MG ZS has got you wrapped up.   

ANCAP has provided it four stars, the deduction of one star in ratings, from its Shanghai to Oxford journey, can be due to varying reasons. After all, It hard to overlook the absence of safety features like AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking), and cross-traffic alert.

Competition

There is no denying the fact that MG ZS faces stiff competition form the likes of Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, and to a considerable extent from Mitsubishi ASX. Having said that, it is the Honda HR-V which poses a potential competition to the top end Essence variant.

MG ZS vs Honda HR-V

As for the comparison, the MG ZS is way more affordable than the Honda HR-V. The base variant VTi comes with a price tag of $26,490, while the top;-end variant of the MG ZS is priced at $26,990, which is only $500 extra. So, if one is looking for an affordable SUV then the MG ZS is one of the best.

Verdict 

In a nutshell, It’s the value that has the answer here! The judicious pricing strategy keeping in mind the budget-conscious end-consumers along with the extended warranty schemes seal the deal. Not to forget the roadside assistance that makes it a great buy.  

Also read: MG ZS - Pros & cons